A Kansas City man previously convicted of second-degree manslaughter is now facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend on the city’s East Side.
Ramello Robinson-Parks has been charged with first-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm in the Feb. 19, 2024 killing of 26-year-old Elaysha Gilliam, according to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Police Find Victim In Vacant Lot
Kansas City police officers were called to an overgrown vacant lot in the 3600 block of Oakley Avenue around midnight after receiving reports of a dead body.
When officers arrived, they found Gilliam dead at the scene. According to court documents, investigators said her hands and feet were bound with zip ties. The probable cause statement also described duct tape over her mouth and around her head.
Authorities said Gilliam had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Witnesses Point To Relationship With Suspect
A witness told investigators that Gilliam left home around 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 17, 2024, to meet Robinson-Parks, who was described as her boyfriend.
Several witnesses also told detectives that Robinson-Parks had allegedly been abusive toward Gilliam. Court documents reference claims of past physical assaults, including one alleged incident that caused Gilliam to lose a pregnancy.
Those allegations are part of the investigation described in the probable cause statement.
DNA Evidence Cited In Court Documents
Investigators said Robinson-Parks’ DNA was found at the scene. According to court documents, DNA linked to him was discovered on a piece of glove found in Gilliam’s hair, in her mouth and under her nail.
On May 16, 2026, Robinson-Parks was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. During that arrest, investigators said they found gloves in his backpack that were similar in color and appearance to the glove piece found near Gilliam.
Authorities have cited this evidence as part of the case against him.
Previous Manslaughter Conviction
Court documents say Robinson-Parks was previously convicted of second-degree manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in physical injury.
That conviction was connected to a May 14, 2018 incident in which Robinson-Parks was driving near 11th Street and Charlotte Street when he struck a man using a wheelchair. Officials said he was texting at the time of the crash.
The previous conviction is now part of the background surrounding the new firearm-related charge.
Elaysha Gilliam Remembered By Family
Gilliam was a mother of four and is remembered by relatives as a loving woman with a “heart of gold.” Family members said she cared deeply for those around her and brought joy, laughter and warmth into their lives.
Her death has left loved ones mourning a young mother whose life was cut short.
Legal Case Continues
Robinson-Parks has been charged, but the case has not yet been resolved in court. As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The case will continue through the Jackson County court system.
Ramello Robinson-Parks is facing first-degree murder and related charges in the fatal shooting of Elaysha Gilliam on Kansas City’s East Side. Court documents cite witness statements, DNA evidence and prior allegations as part of the investigation.
As prosecutors move forward, Gilliam’s family continues to remember her as a devoted mother and loved one whose loss has deeply affected those closest to her.